Women for Conservation and the Colombian Association of Herpetology (ACH) announced a strategic alliance to strengthen women’s participation in research, conservation, and environmental education focused on Colombia’s herpetofauna.
The initiative was officially presented during the 4th Colombian Congress of Herpetology (CCH), one of the country’s most important scientific events on biodiversity.
Women for Conservation, an organization recognized for promoting the active participation of women in biodiversity protection and sustainable development, works through programs that integrate family planning, reproductive health, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods. Their efforts have helped strengthen local capacities, promote women’s leadership, and foster resilient communities committed to conservation.
As part of the congress, both organizations launched the Women in Science Scholarship Program – ACHerpetología & Women for Conservation, an initiative aimed at supporting leadership and applied research carried out by young women scientists, with an emphasis on species conservation and community-based environmental education.
Five Scholarships for Conservation and Environmental Education Projects
The program will award five individual scholarships of USD 500 to women who are developing or proposing projects related to:
• Conservation of amphibians and reptiles, including research, monitoring, restoration, management, and protection of habitats.
• Environmental education with local communities, aimed at awareness-raising, participation, and communication for conservation.
Funds may be used for activities such as fieldwork, educational materials, monitoring supplies, local transportation, or strengthening technical capacities.
Eligibility Requirements
Women over 18 years old who are citizens or residents of Colombia and who actively participate in processes related to the conservation or environmental education of herpetofauna may apply. Applicants must submit a clear project proposal detailing objectives, activities, and expected results.
Projects led by individuals who are not women, initiatives that are exclusively academic with no applied conservation or community education component, previous beneficiaries of the program, or proposals that violate ethical principles or animal welfare standards will not be eligible.
Responsibilities of Scholarship Recipients
Selected applicants must sign an agreement for the responsible use of funds, submit a results report within four months, and share visual or testimonial material for disseminating the program’s impact. Additionally, they must acknowledge the program’s support in presentations, publications, or products derived from the project.
Application and Selection Process
The call for applications will open during the Colombian Congress of Herpetology. Submissions will be received through a digital form and evaluated by a joint ACHerpetología–W4C committee based on criteria of relevance, innovation, impact, and territorial equity. Results will be published on the official platforms of both organizations.
Proposals will be scored out of 100 points, considering relevance to conservation (30), educational and community components (25), clarity and feasibility (20), innovation or gender approach (15), and geographic diversity (10).
Recognition and Opportunities
The five awardees will receive an official certificate and gain access to the Women in Science mentorship network, which promotes women’s leadership in conservation at both national and international levels.
Application form:
https://forms.gle/45RynnZbg9Zer9S49
Contact
Women for Conservation: programs@womenforconservation.org
Colombian Association of Herpetology: acherpetologia@gmail.com
